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things you don't learn in school (Moderated by EleanorSews)
Posted on: 10/13/14 2:58 PM ET
First: my disclaimer. I have no financial interest here and take no ad money on my blog. I simply love to pass on my love of sewing and share with others.
Recently on forums and blogs I have seen a fair amount of reference to there being a lack of information regarding more intermediate sewing. We are blessed to have many new sewists in our midst and many of these newbies are looking beyond the one dimensional or project oriented sewing books that are out there for newbies. On the other end of the newbie spectrum of books are the couture level books. As wonderful as these are, and every sewist should have at least one of those in their library to inspire, there is a dirth of "in between" information. New sewists are stepping up their game and not finding the information they want in the marketplace.
All that being said and read, I decided to offer my experience and that of others in a series that I will post every Monday on my blog. This is not couture sewing, heirloom sewing or really complicated sewing of any kind. Instead, I am trying to pass on to our new artists the things you don't see in patterns and magazines, the kind of things your grandmother would have taught you while you were at her side. It's the information you would have maybe gotten from a favorite home ec teacher or other treasured mentor. These mentors are hard to find today and the void needs to be filled. The marketplace is different as well. This is a digital age and today's young sewist does not learn the way her grandmother did. Mentors need to use the internet to continue this art form.
I hope you can join me every Monday at La Sewista for the series of posts dedicated to help new and returning sewists up their game and share their passion with others who would like to pass on their skills. If you are an experienced sewist, please come and share your wisdom as many have already. I hope to have an occasional guest blogger. Already we have had some incredible interface and lots of new information learned from those who have been participating.
Again, no financial gain for this, just sharing a passion and I hope you will join me. Each one, teach one.
Bunny at La Sewista. La Sewista
-- Edited on 10/13/14 at 4:47 PM --
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Recently on forums and blogs I have seen a fair amount of reference to there being a lack of information regarding more intermediate sewing. We are blessed to have many new sewists in our midst and many of these newbies are looking beyond the one dimensional or project oriented sewing books that are out there for newbies. On the other end of the newbie spectrum of books are the couture level books. As wonderful as these are, and every sewist should have at least one of those in their library to inspire, there is a dirth of "in between" information. New sewists are stepping up their game and not finding the information they want in the marketplace.
All that being said and read, I decided to offer my experience and that of others in a series that I will post every Monday on my blog. This is not couture sewing, heirloom sewing or really complicated sewing of any kind. Instead, I am trying to pass on to our new artists the things you don't see in patterns and magazines, the kind of things your grandmother would have taught you while you were at her side. It's the information you would have maybe gotten from a favorite home ec teacher or other treasured mentor. These mentors are hard to find today and the void needs to be filled. The marketplace is different as well. This is a digital age and today's young sewist does not learn the way her grandmother did. Mentors need to use the internet to continue this art form.
I hope you can join me every Monday at La Sewista for the series of posts dedicated to help new and returning sewists up their game and share their passion with others who would like to pass on their skills. If you are an experienced sewist, please come and share your wisdom as many have already. I hope to have an occasional guest blogger. Already we have had some incredible interface and lots of new information learned from those who have been participating.
Again, no financial gain for this, just sharing a passion and I hope you will join me. Each one, teach one.
Bunny at La Sewista. La Sewista
-- Edited on 10/13/14 at 4:47 PM --
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http://lasewist.blogspot.com/
Posted on: 10/13/14 3:54 PM ET
Your link was truncated. Here's the correct one (from your signature line): La Sewista
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Debbie
Viking Sapphire 930, Babylock Evolution
Viking Sapphire 930, Babylock Evolution
Posted on: 10/13/14 4:35 PM ET
Thank you so much, Debbie, greatly appreciated.
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http://lasewist.blogspot.com/
Posted on: 10/18/14 12:47 PM ET
Hi Bunny,
I just checked out your blog and was so happy to learn an alternative to backstitching. Thank you for blogging on sewing skills that your grandma might have taught you (though in my case, I was the only one in my family that sewed).
Metta
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I just checked out your blog and was so happy to learn an alternative to backstitching. Thank you for blogging on sewing skills that your grandma might have taught you (though in my case, I was the only one in my family that sewed).
Metta
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Bernina 560 (sewing machine only)
Babylock Imagine
Babylock Imagine
Board Moderator
PR Weekend 2019 Organizer
Member since 3/1/06
Posts: 1530
Member since 3/1/06
Posts: 1530
Washington USA
Skill: Intermediate
Skill: Intermediate
Posted on: 10/18/14 3:39 PM ET
In reply to Metta13
I'm glad your post bumped this topic up since I had missed it before. I was thrilled to find the correct way to thread a needle from a spool. I spend a lot of my hand sewing untangling the thread. I hope this will remedy that.
Posted on: 10/18/14 5:40 PM ET
In reply to Jacqui315
There are so many simple things to share that are not the things we pick up in webinars, pattern sheets or from sewing friends at our same level. We have a generation craving sewing which is so wonderful and I think it is the responsibility to share our experience with them. They are digitally expert so let's share our experience in the digital format.
I am glad you found the posts interesting. Another one up Monday! I'll keep you guessing on this one. One of the best things about the posts are the great ideas others have contributed through the comments. I think that part is wonderful and shows how generous people are with their knowledge
-- Edited on 10/18/14 at 5:43 PM --
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I am glad you found the posts interesting. Another one up Monday! I'll keep you guessing on this one. One of the best things about the posts are the great ideas others have contributed through the comments. I think that part is wonderful and shows how generous people are with their knowledge
-- Edited on 10/18/14 at 5:43 PM --
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http://lasewist.blogspot.com/
Posted on: 10/18/14 5:42 PM ET
I loved the post on threads!!!! I've been researching this topic for some time & I'm so happy all the info is in one place!
I don't know what the best thread for garment construction is. And I'm not sure what brand to use.
Is there a way to tell when a spool was manufactured on the label? I've purchased Mettler & Gutterman from my dealer. I found them to create a lot of lint.
I just purchased some Aurfil from eBay. And also a Floriani sampler from Red Rock Threads. I've read great reviews about Red Rock but I'm concerned that maybe I'll get old thread from eBay.
Have you used these other brands? They're all polyester so I guess they're ok for construction.
Thanks again for the great info!!
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I don't know what the best thread for garment construction is. And I'm not sure what brand to use.
Is there a way to tell when a spool was manufactured on the label? I've purchased Mettler & Gutterman from my dealer. I found them to create a lot of lint.
I just purchased some Aurfil from eBay. And also a Floriani sampler from Red Rock Threads. I've read great reviews about Red Rock but I'm concerned that maybe I'll get old thread from eBay.
Have you used these other brands? They're all polyester so I guess they're ok for construction.
Thanks again for the great info!!
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My Herd: Bernina 790 Plus Upgrade, Bernina 735, Babylock Triumph, Bernina Record 931. Sewing Makes My Crazy Life Normal.
Member #25631
Member #25631
Posted on: 10/18/14 6:46 PM ET
I have not used the Red Rock Threads. I don't know of any sort of coding on spools that would tell their age, like we get on our food products. But if they break with a not to hard yank, it doesn't matter what the actual age is. I do think your idea of dating thread is a pretty cool one. Maybe someone will take notice. It would definitely sell more thread so why not.
As far as thread for garment construction, it depends on the garment and fiber. But most sewing should be fine with the poly threads from the companies you mention. Then there is personal preference. I really like sewing silk with 100% cotton thread. It just seems to have a richer look to me. You don't want to use all cotton thread for kid's clothing. It won't last like the polies will as the garments get passed along through friends and family.
I like the silk finish cotton from Mettler a lot.
Two of the best sources for knowing what threads to use for a specific garments and fabric are Claire Shaeffer's Fabric Guide and Sandra Betzina's Fabric Savvy. I refer to those a lot when I am not sure.
I am glad you enjoyed the series. My goal is to bring newer sewists into the discussion so pass this along to those you think may be interested. Thanks.
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As far as thread for garment construction, it depends on the garment and fiber. But most sewing should be fine with the poly threads from the companies you mention. Then there is personal preference. I really like sewing silk with 100% cotton thread. It just seems to have a richer look to me. You don't want to use all cotton thread for kid's clothing. It won't last like the polies will as the garments get passed along through friends and family.
I like the silk finish cotton from Mettler a lot.
Two of the best sources for knowing what threads to use for a specific garments and fabric are Claire Shaeffer's Fabric Guide and Sandra Betzina's Fabric Savvy. I refer to those a lot when I am not sure.
I am glad you enjoyed the series. My goal is to bring newer sewists into the discussion so pass this along to those you think may be interested. Thanks.
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http://lasewist.blogspot.com/
Posted on: 10/21/14 1:54 AM ET
Thank you for the post - I will definitely visit your blog... One can never learn enough... 
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"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about finding the perfect fabric and never cutting it." George Bernard Shaw
Posted on: 11/18/14 3:45 PM ET
What a wonderful idea! I found this looking for a thread on thread (heh heh) for my new coat project. The timing could not be more perfect. Okay, Imma go read now, but please keep this going! It's sure to help all kinds of sewists.
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